Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Immunogenicity of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Single-Dose QX002N Injection in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Open, Parallel, Single-Center, Phase I Study.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), although not all patients respond to traditional IL-17A antibody treatments. QX002N injection, as a new monoclonal antibody targeting IL-17A, has shown potential in treating AS, offering a new treatment option for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies. METHODS: A randomized, open, parallel, single-center, phase I study was conducted to assess the pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunogenicity of single doses of QX002N injection administered intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC) to healthy Chinese volunteers. Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals, and then serum concentrations of QX002N were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Pharmacokinetic analysis of the drug concentration-time data showed that the mean maximum observed serum QX002N concentration (Cmax) was 110 and 33.9 µg/ml, respectively. The average area under the drug concentration-time curves from 0 to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) were 52,656 and 36,269 µg·h/ml, respectively and the average area under the drug concentration-time curves from 0 to infinity (AUCinf) were 54,867 and 38,194 µg·h/ml, respectively. The absolute bioavailability of QX002N after SC injection was 69.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Immunogenicity was assessed and all the subjects in this study were Anti-drug antibody (ADA)-negative, which means no subjects appeared to develop immunogenicity to QX002N. All the results testify to the safety of QX002N injection, which is satisfactory after IV or SC dosing in healthy subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chinadrugtirals.org.cn , CTR20220430.

Mechanical Strain Induces and Increases Vesicular Release Monitored by Microfabricated Stretchable Electrodes.

Exocytosis involving the fusion of intracellular vesicles with cell membrane, is thought to be modulated by the mechanical cues in the microenvironment. Single-cell electrochemistry can offer unique information about the quantification and kinetics of exocytotic events; however, the effects of mechanical force on vesicular release have been poorly explored. Herein, we developed a stretchable microelectrode with excellent electrochemical stability under mechanical deformation by microfabrication of functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conductive ink, which achieved real-time quantitation of strain-induced vesicular exocytosis from a single cell for the first time. We found that mechanical strain could cause calcium influx via the activation of Piezo1 channels in chromaffin cell, initiating the vesicular exocytosis process. Interestingly, mechanical strain increases the amount of catecholamines released by accelerating the opening and prolonging the closing of fusion pore during exocytosis. This work is expected to provide revealing insights into the regulatory effects of mechanical stimuli on vesicular exocytosis.

Preparation and utilization of carbon dots as a nanoprobe for sensitive detection of tartrazine and palladium (II).

We prepared novel green, eco-friendly carbon dots as a dual-channel probe for highly sensitive and selective detection of tartrazine (Trz) and palladium(II) (Pd(II)) involving, respectively, FRET and electron transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, the successful utilization of the carbon dots for detecting Trz and Pd(II) in actual samples implies its potential application prospects in analysis.

Real-time monitoring of intracellular biochemical response in locally stretched single cell by a nanosensor.

Mechanotransduction is the essential process that cells convert mechanical force into biochemical responses, and electrochemical sensor stands out from existing techniques by providing quantitative and real-time information about the biochemical signals during cellular mechanotransduction. However, the intracellular biochemical response evoked by mechanical force has been poorly monitored. In this paper, we report a method to apply local stretch on single cell and simultaneously monitor the ensuing intracellular biochemical signals. Specifically, a ferromagnetic micropipette was fabricated to locally stretch a single cell labeled with Fe3O4 nanoparticles under the external magnetic field, and the SiC@Pt nanowire electrode (SiC@Pt NWE) was inserted into the cell to monitor the intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production induced by the local stretch. As a proof of concept, this work quantitatively investigated the elevated amount of H2O2 levels in single endothelial cell under different stretching amplitudes. This work puts forward a new research modality to manipulate and monitor the mechanotransduction at the single-cell level.

Perception of Patients, Physicians, and Chaperones Regarding the Use of Chaperones During Patient Examinations for Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

In this systematic review, we searched electronic databases for literature addressing physician use of chaperones during examinations of patients undergoing plastic surgery from the perspective of the patient, physician, and chaperone from inception of the database until April 2023. After screening 939 articles, we included seven studies in a systematic review. We conducted an inductive thematic analysis of four domains (physician perspective, patient perspective, chaperone perspective, and chaperone documentation). The results of the analysis showed that surgeons who are experienced, are men, or have received education related to using chaperones are more likely to provide chaperones during patient examinations for medicolegal protection and patient comfort. A small percentage of surgeons have faced accusations from patients of inappropriate behavior. Most of these incidents have occurred without a chaperone present. Patients who have long associations with a particular plastic surgery practice are less likely to want a chaperone. When physicians examine nonsensitive areas, most patients prefer having no chaperone. However, young patients and patients undergoing reconstructive procedures are more likely to request chaperones. Patients prefer having family members or friends serve as chaperones. Notably, despite the presence of a chaperone, we found that documentation of the presence of a chaperone was inadequate. Using a chaperone helps establish trust and ensure patient comfort. Further research, including qualitative studies and multinational approaches, is warranted to gain deeper insights and develop comprehensive guidelines for chaperone use that empowers both patients and health care providers.

Effect of electroacupuncture on proBDNF/mBDNF and synaptic plasticity in rats with learning and memory impairment after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. / ç”µé’ˆå¯¹è„‘ç¼ºè¡€å†çŒæ³¨å­¦ä¹ è®°å¿†éšœç¢å¤§é¼ æµ·é©¬è„‘æºæ€§ç¥žç»è¥å »å› å­è½¬åŒ–å’Œçªè§¦å¯å¡‘æ€§çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Baihui" (GV20) and "Shenting" (GV24) on the rats' behavior and the transforming precursor of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) into mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) in the hippocampus of rats with learning and memory impairment induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of learning and memory ability. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into blank, sham operation, model, and EA groups, with 6 rats in each group. The model of IR was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. EA (1 Hz/20 Hz) was applied to GV24 and GV20 for 30 min, once daily for 14 days. The neurological function was evaluated according to the Zea Longa's score criteria 24 h after modeling and after intervention. Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory function of the rats. TTC staining was used to evaluate the cerebral infarction volume on the affected side. The protein expression levels of proBDNF, mBDNF, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in hippocampal tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the neurological function score, the percentage of cerebral infarction volume and the expression levels of proBDNF and p75NTR protein in hippocampus were increased (P<0.01), while the times of crossing the original platform and the total distance in the target quadrant, the expression levels of mBDNF, TrkB and tPA protein and the ratio of mBDNF/proBDNF were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the neurological function score, the percentage of cerebral infarction volume, and the expression levels of proBDNF and p75NTR protein in hippocampus were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the times of crossing the original platform, the total distance in the target quadrant, and the expression levels of mBDNF, TrkB and tPA protein and the ratio of mBDNF/proBDNF were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the EA group. CONCLUSIONS: EA can alleviate learning and memory impairment in IR rats, which may be related to its function in up-regulating the expression of tPA protein and promoting the transformation of proBDNF to mBDNF, thus improving the synaptic plasticity.

Protective Mechanism of Polysaccharide ORP-1 Isolated from Oudemansiella raphanipes against Age-Related Cognitive Decline through the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis.

Age-related cognitive decline is primarily attributed to the progressive weakening of synaptic function and loss of synapses, while age-related gut microbial dysbiosis is known to impair synaptic plasticity and cognitive behavior by metabolic alterations. To improve the health of the elderly, the protective mechanisms of Oudemansiella raphanipes polysaccharide (ORP-1) against age-related cognitive decline are investigated. The results demonstrate that ORP-1 and its gut microbiota-derived metabolites SCFAs restore a healthy gut microbial population to handle age-related gut microbiota dysbiosis mainly by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria Dubosiella, Clostridiales, and Prevotellaceae and reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria Desulfovibrio, strengthen intestinal barrier integrity by abolishing age-related alterations of tight junction (TJ) and mucin 2 (MUC2) proteins expression, diminish age-dependent increase in circulating inflammatory factors, ameliorate cognitive decline by reversing memory- and synaptic plasticity-related proteins levels, and restrain hyperactivation of microglia-mediated synapse engulfment and neuroinflammation. These findings expand the understanding of prebiotic-microbiota-host interactions.

[Traceability Analysis and Environmental Quality Assessment of Soil Heavy Metal Pollution in West Hunan Province].

In order to explore the status of soil heavy metal pollution and environmental quality in west Hunan, relevant areas of Phoenix County were selected as the study area. Using data from 440 soil samples collected in the study area from June to August 2022, the pH value of the soil and contents of eight heavy metal elements, namely, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were analyzed. The PMF model was used for traceability analysis and geochemical evaluation of soil environmental quality. The results showed that the average values of soil heavy metals ω(Zn), ω(Cr), ω(Pb), ω(Ni), ω(Cu), ω(As), ω(Cd), and ω(Hg) were 81.02, 64.67, 31.63, 29.27, 25.52, 9.93, 0.28, and 0.13 mg·kg-1, respectively. The soil in the study area was mainly weakly acidic, and the contents of the Cd and Hg elements were relatively high compared to the national soil background values and were highly variable. The contents of the Hg and Cd elements in forest land were higher than that in other land uses. The PMF model results showed that the contribution rates of heavy metal pollution sources in the study area were mining sources (37.4%), atmospheric sedimentation sources (7.7%), natural sources (41.1%), and agricultural activity sources (13.8%) and provided suggestions on pollution control measures according to the spatial distribution of the four types of pollution sources. Through the comprehensive assessment of soil environmental geochemistry, the study area was divided into three types of plots, namely, non-risk areas (94.27 km2), accounting for 76.38%; risk-controllable areas (27.45 km2), accounting for 22.24%; and high-risk areas (1.7 km2), accounting for 1.38%. This study provided data support for the prevention and control measures of land pollution in the research area, as well as the delineation of the prevention and control scope.

Effect of electroacupuncture of Governor Vessel on mitochondrial fusion and proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in spinal cord injury rats. / ç”µé’ˆç£è„‰å¯¹è„Šé«“æŸä¼¤å¤§é¼ è„Šé«“ç»„ç»‡çº¿ç²’ä½“èžåˆåŠç¥žç»å¹²ç»†èƒžå¢žæ®–åˆ†åŒ–çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Dazhui" (GV14) and "Jizhong"(GV6) of the Governor Vessel (GV) on mitochondrial fusion and neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation in the spinal cord of rats with spinal cord injury (SCI), so as to investigate its mechanisms underlying improvement of SCI. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model and EA groups, with 15 rats in each group. The SCI model was established by using a precision impactor. EA (20 Hz/100 Hz, 1-2 mA) was applied to GV14 and GV6 for 30 min, once daily for 14 days. The rats' hindlimb locomotor function in each group was assessed using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale. Histopathological changes of the injured spinal cord tissue and the number of neurons were evaluated after H.E. staining and Nissl staining. The expressions of Nestin, mitochondrial fusion-related protein optic atrophy-1 (OPA1) and NSC markers sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) in the injured spinal cord tissue were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Nestin in the spinal cord tissue were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the BBB scores after modeling, and the number of neurons were significantly decreased (P<0.001), while the mean fluorescence intensity values of Nestin, SOX2 and OPA1, and the expressions of Nestin mRNA and protein considerably increased (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. After EA intervention and in comparison with the model group, the BBB scores at the 7th and 14th day, the number of neurons, the mean fluorescence intensity values of Nestin, SOX2 and OPA1, and the expressions of Nestin mRNA and protein were strikingly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) in the EA group. H.E. staining showed swollen, ruptured and necrotic neurons of the spinal cord, with a large number of vacuoles and severe inflammatory cell infiltration after modeling, which was relatively milder in the EA group. CONCLUSIONS: EA stimulation of GV14 and GV6 can promote the recovery of motor function in rats with SCI, which may be related to its effects in promoting mitochondrial fusion and enhancing the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs.

Real-Time Quantification of Nanoplastics-Induced Oxidative Stress in Stretching Alveolar Cells.

Nanoplastics from air pollutants can be directly inhaled into the alveoli in the lungs and further enter blood circulation, and numerous studies have revealed the close relation between internalized nanoplastics with many physiological disorders via intracellular oxidative stress. However, the dynamic process of nanoplastics-induced oxidative stress in lung cells under breath-mimicked conditions is still unclear, due to the lack of methods that can reproduce the mechanical stretching of the alveolar and simultaneously monitor the oxidative stress response. Here, we describe a biomimetic platform by culturing alveoli epithelial cells on a stretchable electrochemical sensor and integrating them into a microfluidic device. This allows reproducing the respiration of alveoli by cyclic stretching of the alveoli epithelial cells and monitoring the nanoplastics-induced oxidative stress by the built-in sensor. By this device, we prove that cyclic stretches can greatly enhance the cellular uptake of nanoplastics with the dependencies of strain amplitude. Importantly, oxidative stress evoked by internalized nanoplastics can be quantitatively monitored in real time. This work will promote the deep understanding about the cytotoxicity of inhaled nanoplastics in the pulmonary mechanical microenvironment.

Selective identification of p-nitroaniline by bromine-mediated polarization of carbon dots.

A fluorometric method based on boron, bromide-codoped carbon dots (BBCNs) was developed for the first time for the highly selective detection of p-nitroaniline (PNA) in wastewater samples. It should be noted that the introduction of bromine greatly increases the molecular polarizability of the probe, which can regulate the energy level matching between the probe and PNA, resulting in the interaction between BBCNs and PNA. In the presence of PNA, the fluorescence of BBCNs is obviously quenched and accompanied by a red shift of the fluorescence band, which might be attributed to the formation of aggregates caused by the polar adsorption of BBCNs and PNA. It is beneficial for constructing a highly selective sensing platform for PNA determination compared to its isomers (o-nitroaniline and m-nitroaniline) through atomic bromine-mediated polarization of the BBCNs. With the help of this mechanism, an excellent linear range of 0.5-300 µM with a low detection limit of 0.24 µM toward PNA was obtained. This work further confirms that there is a significant relationship between the nature of doping elements and the optical and physicochemical properties of fluorescent materials.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity profiles of Exendin-4-IgG4-Fc in healthy subjects: A phase 1, single-centre, randomized, double-blind, dose escalation study.

AIM: Novel long-acting drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus may optimize patient compliance and glycaemic control. Exendin-4-IgG4-Fc (E4F4) is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. This first-in-human study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity profiles of a single subcutaneous injection of E4F4 in healthy subjects. METHODS: This single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 clinical trial included 96 subjects in 10 sequential cohorts that were provided successively higher doses of E4F4 (0.45, 0.9, 1.8, 3.15, 4.5, 6.3, 8.1, 10.35, 12.6 and 14.85 mg) or placebo (ChinaDrugTrials.org.cn: ChiCTR2100049732). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability of E4F4. Secondary endpoints were pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and immunogenicity profiles of E4F4. Safety data to day 15 after the final subject in a cohort had been dosed were reviewed before commencing the next dose level. RESULTS: E4F4 was safe and well tolerated among healthy Chinese participants in this study. There was no obvious dose-dependent relationship between frequency, severity or causality of treatment-emergent adverse events. Cmax and area under the curve of E4F4 were dose proportional over the 0.45-14.85 mg dose range. Median Tmax and t1/2 ranged from 146 to 210 h and 199 to 252 h, respectively, across E4F4 doses, with no dose-dependent trends. For the intravenous glucose tolerance test, area under the curve of glucose in plasma from time 0 to 180 min showed a dose-response relationship in the 1.8-10.35 mg dose range, with an increased response at the higher doses. CONCLUSION: E4F4 exhibited an acceptable safety profile and linear pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects. The recommended phase 2 dose is 4.5-10.35 mg once every 2 weeks.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Increases Longitudinal Risk of Mortality, Decompensation, and Infection in Cirrhosis: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed to cirrhotic patients, but there is limited longitudinal evidence regarding their effects. This study aimed to assess the impact of PPIs on adverse events in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted using the Medline and Embase databases to identify relevant articles. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model were calculated to evaluate the risk of adverse events such as long-term mortality, hepatic decompensation, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and overall infection in cirrhotic patients with PPI use. RESULTS: The analysis included 28 studies with 260,854 cirrhotic patients. The prevalence of PPI use among cirrhotic patients was 55.93%. The use of PPIs was not significantly associated with short-term mortality in cirrhotic patients. However, long-term mortality (HR 1.321, 95% CI 1.103-1.581, P = 0.002), decompensation (HR 1.646, 95% CI 1.477-1.835, P < 0.001), HE (HR 1.968, 95% CI 1.372-2.822, P < 0.001), SBP (HR 1.751, 95% CI 1.649-1.859, P < 0.001), and infection (HR 1.370, 95% CI 1.148-1.634, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with PPI use. Sensitivity analysis with prospective studies yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: PPIs should be reserved for appropriate indications at lowest effective dose for cirrhotic patients due to the potential harm.

Safety and immunogenicity of primary vaccination with a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (SYS6006) in Chinese participants aged 18 years or more: Two randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled and dose-escalation phase 1 clinical trials.

Vaccination plays a key role in preventing morbidity and mortality caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a SARS-CoV-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine SYS6006. In the two randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 1 trials, 40 adult participants aged 18-59 years and 40 elderly participants aged 60 years or more were randomized to receive two doses of SYS6006 or placebo (saline). Adverse events (AEs) were collected through 30 days post the second vaccination. Immunogenicity was assessed by live-virus neutralizing antibody (Nab), spike protein (S1) binding antibody (S1-IgG), and cellular immunity. The result showed that 7/15, 9/15 and 4/10 adult participants, and 9/15, 8/15 and 4/10 elderly participants reported at least one AE in the 20-µg, 30-µg and placebo groups, respectively. Most AEs were grade 1. Injection-site pain was the most common AE. Two adults and one elder reported fever. No vaccination-related serious AE was reported. SYS6006 elicited wild-type Nab response with a peak geometric mean titer of 232.1 and 130.6 (adults), and 48.7 and 66.7 (elders), in the 20-µg and 30-µg groups, respectively. SYS6006 induced moderate-to-robust Nab response against Delta, and slight Nab response against Omicron BA.2 and BA.5. Robust IgG response against wild type and BA.2 was observed. Cellular immune response was induced. In conclusion, two-dose primary vaccination with SYS6006 demonstrated good safety and immunogenicity during a follow-up period of 51 days in immunologically naive population aged 18 years or more. (Trial registry: Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2200059103 and ChiCTR2200059104).

Climate change impacts the distribution of Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis (Fagaceae), a keystone lineage in East Asian evergreen broadleaved forests.

East Asian evergreen broadleaved forests (EBFLs) harbor high species richness, but these ecosystems are severely impacted by global climate change and deforestation. Conserving and managing EBLFs requires understanding dominant tree distribution dynamics. In this study, we used 29 species in Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis-a keystone lineage in East Asian EBLFs-as proxies to predict EBLF distribution dynamics using species distribution models (SDMs). We examined climatic niche overlap, similarity, and equivalency among seven biogeographical regions' species using 'ecospat'. We also estimated the effectiveness of protected areas in the predicted range to elucidate priority conservation regions. Our results showed that the climatic niches of most geographical groups differ. The western species under the Indian summer monsoon regime were mainly impacted by temperature factors, whereas precipitation impacted the eastern species under the East Asian summer monsoon regime. Our simulation predicted a northward range expansion of section Cyclobalanopsis between 2081 and 2100, except for the ranges of the three Himalayan species analyzed, which might shrink significantly. The greatest shift of highly suitable areas was predicted for the species in the South Pacific, with a centroid shift of over 300 km. Remarkably, only 7.56% of suitable habitat is currently inside protected areas, and the percentage is predicted to continue declining in the future. To better conserve Asian EBLFs, establishing nature reserves in their northern distribution ranges, and transplanting the populations with predicted decreasing numbers and degraded habitats to their future highly suitable areas, should be high-priority objectives.

Phase I study of a non-S2P SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine LVRNA009 in Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a great threat to public health. We present the safety and immunogenicity data from a phase I trial in China of an mRNA vaccine (LVRNA009). METHODS: In the single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled and dose-escalation study, 72 healthy unvaccinated adults aged 18-59 years were randomized (3:1) to receive LVRNA009 with one of three vaccine dosage (25, 50 and 100 µg) or placebo, to evaluate for the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of LVRNA009. RESULTS: All these participants received two injections 28 days apart. No adverse events higher than grade 2 were reported during the study. A total of 30 participants (42 %) reported solicited adverse reactions during the first 14 days after vaccinations. Of the events reported, fever (n = 11, 15 %) was the most common systemic adverse reaction, and pain at the injection site (n = 17, 24 %) was the most frequent solicited local adverse reaction. Anti-S-protein IgG and neutralising antibodies were observed to have been induced 14 days after the first dose, significantly increased 7 days after the second dose, and remained at a high level 28 days after the second dose. Specific T-cell responses peaked 7 days and persisted 28 days after second vaccination. CONCLUSION: LVRNA009 has demonstrated promising results in safety and tolerability at all three dose levels among Chinese adults. LVRNA009 at three dose levels could rapidly induce strong humoral and cellular immune responses, including binding and neutralising antibody production and IFN- γ secretion, which showed good immunogenicity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05364047; Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2100049349.

Needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training for post-stroke cognitive impairment: a multi-center randomized controlled trial. / ç”µé’ˆåŽç•™é’ˆè”åˆè®¤çŸ¥è®­ç»ƒæ²»ç–—è„‘å’ä¸­åŽè®¤çŸ¥åŠŸèƒ½éšœç¢ï¼šå¤šä¸­å¿ƒéšæœºå¯¹ç §è¯•éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training and electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training in the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). METHODS: A total of 206 patients with PSCI were randomized into a needle retaining group (103 cases, 9 cases dropped out) and an electroacupuncture group (103 cases, 6 cases dropped out). In addition to the conventional basic medical treatment and the rehabilitation treatment, in the needle retaining group, electroacupuncture at Shenting (GV 24) and Baihui (GV 20) was applied, with continuous wave of 50 Hz in the first 15 min and with disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/50 Hz in the last 15 min, the needles were continuously retained for 1 h after electroacupuncture, during which cognitive training was adopted; in the electroacupuncture group, cognitive training was performed after the same electric stimulation exerted for 30 min, without additional needles retaining. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for totally 8 weeks in the two groups. Before and after 8-week treatment, the TCM syndrome score was observed; before and after 4,8-week treatment, the scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and ability of daily living were observed in the two groups. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after 8-week treatment. RESULTS: After 8-week treatment, the TCM syndrome scores were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05); the TCM syndrome score in the needle retaining group was higher than that in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05).After 4,8-week treatment, the scores of MMSE, MoCA and ability of daily living were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05); MMSE, MoCA scores after 4,8-week treatment and ability of daily living score after 8-week treatment in the needle retaining group were higher than those in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.4% (85/94) in the needle retaining group, which was superior to 82.5% (80/97) in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training and electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training can effectively treat PSCI, improve the clinical symptom, cognitive function and ability of daily living in PSCI patients. Needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training has a better therapeutic effect.

The Associations between Obsessive Compulsive Personality Traits, Self-Efficacy, and Exercise Addiction.

Exercise addiction refers to maladaptive exercise patterns involving compulsivity and addiction-like behaviors. Exercise addiction has been found to relate to negative physical and mental health outcomes such as heart abnormalities, physical injuries, and interpersonal conflicts. Based on the social cognitive theory, this study investigated the extent to which the interplay of obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) traits and self-efficacy beliefs would influence the development and maintenance of exercise addiction. A total of 1228 college students in the United States responded to an online survey. Based on cut-off scores of the Revised Exercise Addiction Inventory, the prevalence estimates of exercise addiction were 4.0% for males and 1.8% for females. Results showed that males are more prone to exercise addiction than females. Also, OCPD traits and self-efficacy significantly predicted exercise addiction after controlling for age and sex. Self-efficacy acted as a moderator in influencing the relationship between OCPD traits and exercise addiction, especially for females. At high levels of self-efficacy, more OCPD traits were significantly associated with a higher risk of exercise addiction. However, at low levels of self-efficacy, there was no association between OCPD traits and exercise addiction. The findings suggest that public education and intervention for exercise addiction should attend to the interplay between personality factors and sex.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome presenting as capsular warning syndrome: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Few reports of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome exist presenting as ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and the majority are watershed infarction. We report the first case of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome that has clinical features of capsular warning syndrome lasting 6 weeks. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 26-year-old man complained of recurrent right limb weakness, accompanying slurred speech, and right facial paresthesia. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES). INTERVENTIONS: Adequate glucocorticoid and anticoagulant treatments were given. OUTCOMES: The patient's motor ability improved, and he was discharged 2 weeks later. Muscle strength in the right-side extremities had fully recovered at a 3-month follow-up after discharge. LESSONS: This case suggests that idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome should be considered as a cause of capsular warning syndrome, and the dose of glucocorticoid and the efficacy evaluation index needs to be reevaluated for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease associated with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.

[Electroacupuncture improves learning and memory impairment and enhances hippocampal synaptic plasticity through BDNF/TRKB/CREB signaling pathway in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF) / tyrosine kinase receptor B (TRKB) / cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) pathway, synaptic plasticity marker protein and synaptic ultrastructure in the hippocampus of rats with learning and memory impairment induced by cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of cognitive impairment after stroke. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into blank, sham operation, model, and EA groups, with 12 rats in each group. The model of IR was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. EA (2 Hz/10 Hz, 1-3 mA) was applied to "Shenting" (GV24) and "Baihui" (GV20) for 30 min, once daily for 14 days. The neurological function was evaluated according to the Zea Longa's score criteria. Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory function of the rats. Nissl staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the syna-pse in the hippocampus, the synaptic gap width and postsynaptic dense substance (PSD) thickness were measured. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the positive expression levels of BDNF, PSD-95 and synaptophysin (SYN) in hippocampal CA1 region. The protein expression levels of BDNF, TRKB, CREB, PSD-95, and SYN in hippocampal tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the neurological function score and escape latency (EL) were significantly increased (P<0.01), the times of crossing the original platform were decreased (P<0.01), the number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus was reduced, with incomplete morphology, widened synaptic gaps and significantly decreased PSD thickness (P<0.01), the positive expressions of BDNF, PSD-95, SYN and the protein expression levels of BDNF, TRKB, CREB, PSD-95, SYN were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the neurological function scores and EL on the 12th and 13th day were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the times of crossing the original platform were increased (P<0.01), the morphology of hippocampal CA1 neurons improved, the synaptic gaps was decreased (P<0.01), the PSD thickness was significantly increased (P<0.01), the positive expressions of BDNF, PSD-95, SYN, and the protein expression levels of BDNF, TRKB, CREB, PSD-95, SYN were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the EA group. CONCLUSION: EA can alleviate cognitive impairment in IR rats, which may be related to its function in up-regulating the proteins of BDNF/TRKB/CREB pathway, promoting the expressions of synaptic plasticity marker proteins PSD-95 and SYN, thus improving the synaptic plasticity.